5 Minute Read

Today’s Bible Reading:

2 Kings 4:18–5:27
Acts 15:1-35
Psalm 141:1-10
Proverbs 17:23

Today’s Bible Verse(s):

Psalm 141:5 (NLT): “Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it. But I pray constantly against the wicked and their deeds.”

Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):

The verse I have chosen for today can only be understood and appreciated by someone who genuinely wants to pursue holiness. All others will simply pass over it and not give it a second thought.

This verse is powerful. The Psalmist says that even though it would be painful to his pride, he recognizes that being rebuked is actually an act of love. He wants those painful words!

Why? 

Because the Psalmist realized that if someone truly loved him and desired for him to live in such a way that his actions would be pleasing to the Lord, then he needed them to point out his sins. Sometimes, his sinful heart may not acknowledge the sin. Other times, he may not even be aware of the sin. So, he needed those who loved him to point them out.

Rather than resisting this potentially painful experience, he longed for it. He wanted to live in such a way that his actions pleased the Lord, and he needed others to help him grow in holiness.

So, friend, how do you respond to correction? Do you resist it? Do you get angry? Do you sever relationships when someone is painfully honest with you?

Or do you desire for others to point out your weak spots so you can address that area of your life?

Friend, we need each other. If we truly love each other and desire holiness, we need to love each other enough to point out areas of concern in each other so we can grow in holiness.

Application:

  • Ask God to grow your desire for holiness.
  • Consider giving someone permission to point out sin in your life and encourage them to do so.
  • When you are corrected by someone you do not like or who doesn’t like you, listen and then pray about what God may be saying through them.

Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash
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